Ian Clarke - Deep Blue

Katie Riley, Flute
Ming-Li Liu, Piano
Werner Recital Hall
October 14th, 2019
Recorded by Brandenburgh Productions
Ian Clarke is a flutist and composer whose abilities are among the best in the industry. His compositions bring a new level of excitement and passion to the music world. His music often includes extended techniques such as multiphonics, circular breathing, singing & playing, and pitch bending. A primary feature of Deep Blue is Clarke’s use of pitch bending.
Deep Blue is another piece that is very special to me. I discovered it my junior year of high school. I have memories of listening to it every night just being amazed in how something so simple could be so stunningly beautiful. This composition is partly inspired by the ocean and whale song. But it’s not the type of relaxing beach trip you’d expect. The melody is sorrowful yet nostalgic. The pitch bends are reminiscent of a whale communicating to its whale friends in the depth of the sea.
In preparation for my performance of this piece, I listened to various recordings of whale song. One particular recording on Spotify, titled “Lamenting Whales”, perfectly encapsulates the effect I believe Ian Clarke was getting at in his composition of Deep Blue. In my performance I hope to create the atmosphere of being deep underwater as a whale lamenting to my whale friends.

[@tiagobillar2267]

This music is so beautiful it makes me cry

[@nathoconnor9637]

Quelle interprétation....!!!!! Bravissima! Tant flûtiste que pianiste, et votre talent pour fusionner vos sons...! Avec l'émotion que vous parvenez à rendre ainsi.... Magnifique... ça me motive! Je prévois de le jouer prochainement...

[@emmasprouse3866]

I don't know if I ever heard Deep Blue performed this emotionally. Your beautiful performance along with your take on this song is making it hit deeper in my heart. This makes me want to start playing Deep Blue again. Thank you for sharing♥️

[@katieriley3270]

I am so glad you enjoyed it :) thank you so much for your kind words, it means a lot!

[@thoregulden4545]

One of the best Interpretations I've heard yet!

[@katieriley3270]

Thank you so much! :)

[@cameronbrooklynnflute]

I love the emotion you put into this, and your choices on tone color and vibrato are absolutely perfect!

[@katieriley3270]

Thanks so much :)

[@benkutta6328]

This is so beautiful and bitter sweet! Bought sheet music because of your recording.

[@katieriley3270]

Ahh thank you, I'm so glad you enjoy it!!! :)

Incrível!!

[@stellacforeman]

this is the best interpretation of this piece i’ve seen!! your tone is absolutely perfect for this, great job!!!

[@katieriley3270]

Thank you so much! :)

[@Min-wy3ko]

So beautiful. I’m so into this! It makes me calm and I can feel your emotion. Thank you for sharing this with us, Katie!

[@katieriley3270]

그냥 민Just call me Min 💓💓 Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!!

[@sarahfontaine-sinclair2972]

This is absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing this incredibly powerful performance

[@katieriley3270]

Thank you 💗

[@recordclassicalmusic]

Hmm! That was really nice!
Thanks for sharing!

[@katieriley3270]

thanks for watching😊

[@jnelson508]

Such an expressive performance!

[@katieriley3270]

Thank you!☺️

[@wildstingray4463]

suggestions on vibrato in this piece ? it seems like yours is very light or not there sometimes. is this best for the piece ? would it ruin the mood if there was a "heavier" vibrato ? thank you

[@katieriley3270]

Hey! I chose to do a lighter/more transparent vibrato because I felt like that style matched the style of playing I wanted to achieve. I tried to use the vibrato more as a tool in this music rather than something that is always in the sound. It is really your preference if you want to use vibrato or not - I just personally liked less vibrato with this music! Thanks for watching :)

[@dissona]

i have to play it on piano but i dont feel it cuz the chords are annoying